scholarly journals A concise overview of national nutrition action plans in the European Union Member States

2005 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 266-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl Lachat ◽  
John Van Camp ◽  
Stefaan De Henauw ◽  
Christophe Matthys ◽  
Yvan Larondelle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
European Union ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Stakeholder Involvement ◽  
Nutrition Policy ◽  
Global Strategy ◽  
World Health ◽  
Action Plans ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Member States

AbstractObjectiveThis study presents an overview of national nutrition action plans in the member states of the European Union (EU), before its enlargement in 2004. In addition, their compliance with key recommendations of the World Health Organization, as documented in the First Action Plan for Food and Nutrition Policy and the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health, has tentatively been evaluated on the basis of the policy documents published.DesignLiterature review of publicly available policy national plans on nutrition and physical activity.SettingMember states of the EU before enlargement in May 2004.ResultsThe development of national nutrition action plans is gaining momentum. Six of the 15 EU member states – namely, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, France, The Netherlands and the UK – have an operational nutrition policy and four of them have published an elaborated description of their nutrition policy in English. By the end of 2004, another four countries are expected to have their plan finalised. The available nutrition action plans generally seem to comply with international recommendations, although large variations are observed between the member states in terms of terminology, nutritional recommendations, institutional framework, nutritional scope, social groups targeted and monitoring and evaluation structures.ConclusionsAlthough the importance of nutritional surveillance, a comprehensive approach to nutritional problems and stakeholder involvement is recognised by the action plans, the justification for it is vaguely described. This paper advocates for proper evaluation and documentation of interventions in public health nutrition and nutrition policies.

scholarly journals Communicating Renewable Energy in the National Action Plans of the Member States of the European Union

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 970
Author(s):  
András Vincze ◽  
Nóra Hegedűsné Baranyai ◽  
Henrik Zsiborács ◽  
Szilvia Csányi ◽  
István Háber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Power Distance ◽  
Information Provision ◽  
Action Plans ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Member States ◽  
Higher Power ◽  
Developmental Characteristics ◽  
The Relationship

For implementing renewable energy policies it is necessary to convince the population of the appropriateness and usefulness of the ideas. The information provision needed for that requires the communication to be accessible and understandable to the target audience. This research examined the national renewable energy action plans of the member states of the European Union. The online accessibility of these documents and their readability were examined using a simple accessibility test and the Flesch and Flesch–Kincaid readability tests. The paper also addresses the relationship between the culturally-determined power distance indices and the economic and developmental characteristics of the countries and the readability values of their samples. The results showed that the examined documents could be easily accessed, but the action plans of all the member states were difficult to read. The emerging pattern suggested that the text samples of the countries with higher power distances were harder to interpret. Nevertheless, no significant relationship was detected by the correlation analyses between the power distance indices and the Flesch and Flesch–Kincaid readability scores, while strong relationships were detected between the Human Development Index (HDI) data and the results of both readability tests in the group of countries with the highest power distance values.

scholarly journals The global governance of antimicrobial resistance: a cross-country study of alignment between the global action plan and national action plans

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Munkholm ◽  
Olivier Rubin
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Global Governance ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
World Health ◽  
Action Plans ◽  
Vertical Alignment ◽  
Member States ◽  
Horizontal Alignment ◽  
Global Action ◽  
Global Action Plan

Abstract Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing problem worldwide in need of global coordinated action. With the endorsement of the Global Action Plan (GAP) on AMR in 2015, the 194 member states of the World Health Organization committed to integrating the five objectives and corresponding actions of the GAP into national action plans (NAPs) on AMR. The article analyzes patterns of alignment between existing NAPs and the GAP, bringing to the fore new methodologies for exploring the relationship between globally driven health policies and activities at the national level, taking income, geography and governance factors into account. Methods The article investigates the global governance of AMR. Concretely, two proxies are devised to measure vertical and horizontal alignment between the GAP and existing NAPs: (i) a syntactic indicator measuring the degree of verbatim overlap between the GAP and the NAPs; and (ii) a content indicator measuring the extent to which the objectives and corresponding actions outlined in the GAP are addressed in the NAPs. Vertical alignment is measured by the extent to which each NAP overlaps with the GAP. Horizontal alignment is explored by measuring the degree to which NAPs overlap with other NAPs across regions and income groups. In addition, NAP implementation is explored using the Global Database for Antimicrobial Resistance Country Self-Assessment. Findings We find strong evidence of vertical alignment, particularly among low-income countries and lower-middle-income countries but weaker evidence of horizontal alignment within regions. In general, we find the NAPs in our sample to be mostly aligned with the GAP’s five overarching objectives while only moderately aligned with the recommended corresponding actions. Furthermore, we see several cases of what can be termed ‘isomorphic mimicry’, characterized by strong alignment in the policies outlined but much lower levels of alignment in terms of actual implemented policies. Conclusion To strengthen the alignment of national AMR policies, we recommend global governance initiatives based on individualized responsibilities some of which should be legally binding. Our study provides limited evidence of horizontal alignment within regions, which implies that regional governance institutions (e.g., WHO regional offices) should primarily act as mediators between global and local demands to strengthen a global governance regime that minimizes policy fragmentation and mimicry behavior across member states.

scholarly journals ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE PROGRAMS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 978-985
Author(s):  
Ana Maria Zorlescu ◽  
Stelian Baraitareanu ◽  
Doina Danes
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
One Health ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Member States ◽  
Animal Populations ◽  
The One

INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial resistance is one of the topical issues that is part of the “One Health” concept with implications for animal health, human health, and even environmental “health”. At the European Commission (EC) level, legislation has been issued for the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance and these rules are applicable by each Member State (MS). For the proper implementation of the above legislation, audits are carried out in Member States that have developed programs on antimicrobial resistance that go beyond the EC's requests.OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was the analysis of existing data reports, legislation and recommendations on antimicrobial resistance through which surveillance and monitoring is carried out in the European Union (EU).  METHODS: The audit reports issued between 2015 and 2017 by the Food Veterinary Office (FVO), as well as the articles and studies issued by the EC through the antimicrobial resistance institutes were analysed.RESULTS: The FVO conducted audits to “evaluate the monitoring and reporting of antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic and commensal bacteria in certain food-producing animal populations and food” in 12 MS, and audits to “gather information on the prudent use of antimicrobials in animals” in 8 MS. These are countries that have very well implemented the EC's requests and included the “One Health” perspective in antimicrobial resistance programs. Some Member States have risk management strategies for reducing antimicrobial resistance for more than 20 years. They have carried out research projects on antimicrobial resistance. There is an action plan on antimicrobial resistance at the EC level, but their implementation and understanding up to the level of all actors involved in this issue varies from MS to MS. Antimicrobial resistance in the animal population is a topical issue, notoriety among the actors involved, as well as an interdisciplinary problem with indirect results. The same principle of antimicrobial resistance in animals is applicable to humans and the environment as such, this problem can be embedded in the concept of “One Health”. The overall objective of the MS is to generate knowledge and tools to “combat” antimicrobial resistance in animals, humans and even the environment.CONCLUSION: As a conclusion, in order to improve and optimize antimicrobial resistance programs, a “good practice guide” can be achieved by MS with extensive experience in this area, to be used by MS with a more precarious application and over time to harmonize antimicrobial resistance programs within the EU.

A NEW CHALLENGE BY THE EUROPEAN UNION HAS ALREADY STARTED: RESPONSIBLE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 292-294
Author(s):  
Bulent Cavas
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Communication Strategies ◽  
Action Plans ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Science And Society ◽  
Research And Innovation ◽  
Efficient Communication ◽  
Directorate General ◽  
Responsible Research

It has been revealed by The Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Union that scientific studies and their outcomes, carried out within the last 15 years, haven't been adequately shared within the society. In this context, the search for project applications, reviewing efficient communication strategies between European citizens and science was initiated by the European Union’s Science and Society action plan in 2001. The European Union further developed action plans, under its FP7 program which began in 2007, with a view to increasing participation within society and to enhance two-way dialogues and larger interactions through actualizing Science in Society’s action.

scholarly journals The potential contribution of increased vegetable and fruit consumption to health gain in the European Union

2001 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 893-901 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Joffe ◽  
Aileen Robertson
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Health Gain ◽  
World Health ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Fruit Consumption ◽  
Member States ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
The Eu

AbstractBackground:The risk of many important diseases can be reduced by consuming a diet rich in vegetables and fruit. For this reason the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily intake of more than 400 g person−1. The pattern of both the supply and intake of vegetables and fruit and the potential health gain achieved by increasing intake in the European Union (EU) and three accession countries are presented in this paper.Methods:Patterns of supply and dietary intake were assessed using (1) FAO food balance sheets, which allow comparison between the levels of supply in countries but do not reflect actual intake; and (2) survey data reflecting dietary intake. Using WHO mortality data for coronary heart and cerebrovascular disease and major cancers up to age 65 years, the number of preventable deaths is estimated, assuming vegetable and fruit consumption were levelled up to that of the highest consuming group, and assuming relative risks of 0.5, 0.7 or 0.9.Results:Vegetable and fruit consumption varies considerably between EU Member States. The populations of about half (seven) of the EU Member States have a mean daily intake of less than 275 g. Using the best current estimates of relative risk, over 26,000 deaths before the age of 65 years would be prevented annually in the EU if intake was levelled up to the highest consumption levels (and about double this number of deaths before the age of 75 years).Conclusion:Increasing the intake of vegetables and fruit is feasible and could result in considerable improvements in public health within the EU. Priority should be given to developing methods that demonstrate the burden of disease caused by too low intakes of vegetables and fruit. This would enable the appropriate social, cultural and economic policies to be developed within the EU.

scholarly journals Impact of Policies in Nutrition and Physical Activity on Diabetes and Its Risk Factors in the 28 Member States of the European Union

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 3439
Author(s):  
Szabolcs Lovas ◽  
Nour Mahrouseh ◽  
Olaniyan Simisola Bolaji ◽  
Noel Johny Nellamkuzhi ◽  
Carlos Alexandre Soares Andrade ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
European Union ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Population Based ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Member States ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Lifestyle Choices ◽  
European Health Interview Survey ◽  
The Impact

Since healthy eating and physically active lifestyles can reduce diabetes mellitus (DM) risk, these are often addressed by population-based interventions aiming to prevent DM. Our study examined the impact of nutritional and physical activity policies, national diabetes plans and national diabetes registers contribute to lower prevalence of DM in individuals in the member states of the European Union (EU), taking into account the demographic and socioeconomic status as well as lifestyle choices. Datasets on policy actions, plans and registers were retrieved from the World Cancer Research Fund International’s NOURISHING and MOVING policy databases and the European Coalition for Diabetes report. Individual-based data on DM, socioeconomic status and healthy behavior indicators were obtained via the European Health Interview Survey, 2014. Our results showed variation in types and numbers of implemented policies within the member states, additionally, the higher number of these actions were not associated with lower DM prevalence. Only weak correlation between the prevalence of DM and preventive policies was found. Thus, undoubtedly policies have an impact on reducing the prevalence of DM, its increasing burden could not be reversed which underlines the need for applying a network of preventive policies.

The European Union’s global strategy: Complementarity and specialization

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 359-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luís Barroso ◽  
Marco Cruz
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Global Strategy ◽  
Grand Strategy ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Member States ◽  
Classical Means ◽  
Strategic Autonomy ◽  
The Military ◽  
The Eu ◽  
Do So

As a grand strategy, European Union Global Strategy (EUGS) is a roadmap to convert the European Union (EU) in a key strategic actor. The evidence of some conceptual vulnerabilities, particularly the EU lack of classical means and strategic autonomy, limits its implementation. Thus, this article aims to find some relevant actions that the EU needs to put in place to enhance her global image as a credible and specialized actor where the power of her strategic partners, as NATO and United Sates, need to be complemented. To that effect, first, the EU must demonstrate leadership and mobilize the support of member states to carry out its strategy. Second, it must leverage its strategic autonomy by intervening in crises and conflicts where the military means are not the most important. Third, it must focus on preventing or solving the problems in the EU’s neighbourhood as it will suffer direct repercussions if it fails to do so. Implementing the EUGS will require a generic but encompassing grand strategy concept; to communicate its achievements through annual reviews, laying a foundation upon which the EU can build its internal and external credibility, providing it with the strategic autonomy it so direly needs. Finally, the EU must invest on Europeanization processes by ‘transforming’ societies through the ‘global’ application of EU instruments.

Levels of Physical Activity Among Older Adults in the European Union

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Ángel Luis Clemente Remón ◽  
Víctor Jiménez Díaz-Benito ◽  
José Emilio Jiménez Beatty ◽  
José Antonio Santacruz Lozano
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
European Union ◽  
Older People ◽  
World Health ◽  
Moderate Physical Activity ◽  
The European Union ◽  
The North ◽  
Highly Active ◽  
Metabolic Equivalents ◽  
Health Organization

The study aimed to ascertain the levels of older European people’s physical activity according to sociodemographic variables. The sample size was 7,893 citizens aged 65 and over from the European Union. The participants were classified as physically inactive, adequately active, or highly active, according to the World Health Organization. The total metabolic equivalents of task minutes per week were also calculated. In the results, 55.5% of older people were adequately active, and 43.8% were highly active, especially in the North and West. The average metabolic equivalents of task minutes per week was 1,313 metabolic equivalents of task minutes, with walking as the main activity, followed by moderate physical activity and vigorous activity. Male older people of a lower age from the North and West, with a higher level of education and less difficulty in paying bills, were more likely to be physically active. As a conclusion, only slightly more than half the population were adequately active. These sociodemographic inequalities show the necessity of implementing specific measures.

scholarly journals Transformation of joint EU defence capacities: A review of european defence action plan

2017 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-19
Author(s):  
Milan Igrutinovic
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Global Strategy ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Political Aspect ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Rational Development ◽  
Defence Spending ◽  
Security Challenges ◽  
The Eu

The paper deals with activities aimed at the implementation of the EU Global Strategy tied to the effort to further integrate research and development of defence technologies through European Defence Action Plan adopted in November 2016. The author analyses the combined effect of multi-faceted security challenges that the European Union faces and the perception of a decreased and inadequate defence spending in the previous years. The part of the analysis focuses on the political aspect of security challenges and how Brussels? administration responds to those challenges. The author maintains that new European Union Global Strategy is based on the drive for the more rational development of defence industry, which is clearly manifested in setting up a new European Defence Fund as an instrument of the European Defence Action Plan. The recently designed institutional framework followed by adequate financial support may serve as a nudge to the EU Member States to make concrete steps towards the integration of their respective national defence capacities.

Environmental Noise and Policy Implication in Latvia

2013 ◽  
Vol 471 ◽  
pp. 143-148
Author(s):  
Janis Dundurs ◽  
Miervaldis Lacis
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Noise Reduction ◽  
Union Member ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Environmental Noise ◽  
Action Plans ◽  
Member States ◽  
European Directive ◽  
Noise Assessment ◽  
European Union Member States

The European Directive 2002/49/EC on the assessment and management of environmental noise obliges European Union Member states to draw noise maps of communities with more than 100,000 inhabitants (agglomerations) and of areas near the major transport infrastructures for the assessment of noise outdoors. The Latvian law On Pollution and the Cabinet Regulation No 597 Procedures for Noise Assessment and Management (Adopted 13 July 2004) were harmonized with this European Directive to provide the legislative background for the local authorities to draw noise maps to be used as a basis for noise reduction plans. Riga Agglomeration strategic noise map was calculated using software IMMI 6.3. The map shows Riga City as rather noisy city because major roads and railway lines cross the city center and close to it. Riga Freeport, located on the banks of river Daugava, with its supply roads and branch-ways also add to contribute in the total noise levels. The European Directive 2002/49/EC on the assessment and management of environmental noise also obliges European Union Member states to draw Noise reduction Action plans. In Latvia, Capital Riga and Daugavpils are required to have the Action Plans. Action Plans must be completed by 18 July 2008. Much to our regret the Riga City noise reduction Action Plan is still under consideration and in process of development because it touches the interests of many parties.

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